Universal Geneve Polerouter Automatic Date - 204604-1 - Ultra Rare

Specifications 

Year: 1961-1963

Reference: 204206-1
Serial: 2XXXXXX
Case size: 35mm
Movement: Universal Geneve Cal. 218-2 Micro-rotor Automatic
Crystal: Acrylic
Strap Size: Fits up to 7.7 inches wrist size

Description

This incredible and rare Universal Genève Polerouter designed by Gérald Genta was produced between 1961 and 1963. It features a beautifully preserved sunburst dial with a practical date complication. Completing the watch is its original and super rare distinctive UG "Lobster" bracelet, an uncommon and highly desirable feature that enhances both its authenticity and collectability. The watch remains in fantastic vintage condition, working very well and keeping excellent time.

History

Powering the watch is the renowned Universal Genève Calibre 218‑2 micro‑rotor automatic movement, celebrated for its slim profile and innovative micro-rotor winding system that helped make the Polerouter line technically advanced for its time. 

The Universal Genève Polerouter was designed by the legendary watch and industrial designer Gérald Genta. He created the design in 1954 for Universal Genève when he was only 23 years old, making it one of the earliest works of a designer who would later become one of the most influential figures in watch design history.

The Polerouter was originally developed to commemorate the inauguration of Scandinavian Airlines System’s polar flights, which flew over the North Pole between Europe and the United States. These routes exposed watches to strong magnetic fields near the poles, so Universal Genève created the Polerouter with anti-magnetic properties and a robust automatic movement to ensure reliable timekeeping for pilots.

The Polerouter line later evolved to include micro-rotor movements such as the Universal Genève Calibre 218-2, which powered many models from the early 1960s.

Interestingly, the Polerouter was Gérald Genta’s first major watch design, long before he created icons like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus.

Condition

Dial - Beautiful vintage condition, showing signs of age including lovely light patination.

Case - The stainless steel case shows only light signs of wear. 

Crown - The crown is fully original and Universal stamped. It works perfectly in all of its functions and remains in good condition. 

Movement - The watch encases its original Universal Genève Calibre 218‑2 micro‑rotor automatic movement which is working excellently. 

Case back - The original case back is in excellent condition, showing mild common signs of wear.

Strap - The super rare and original UG "Lobster" bracelet is in very good condition for its age, showing some light wear. 

Crystal - The crystal is in excellent condition and is showing light and very fine signs of wear on closer inspection.

For a watch of this age, this piece is in spectacular order and is ready to wear!

If you have any further questions about this piece, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email or Instagram.

@thewristwatcher1

thewristwatcher1@gmail.com

Terms of sale

Please note these are vintage timepieces and their timekeeping abilities will never be the same as modern equivalents. We ensure that all of our watches are keeping time within vintage specification.

We are a registered limited company and can be found on Companies House and therefore are legally required to accept returns within 14 days and provide our customers with fully authentic timepieces.

We guarantee the full authenticity of all out of timepieces. Each piece is fully tested and inspected by our watchmaker to ensure both full functionality and authenticity.

International customers are responsible for customs charges when receiving a purchase.

We cannot guarantee any water resistance due to the age of these watches.

Returns

Customers may return their purchased item within 14 days of delivery date as long as the item(s) are returned in the same condition as received.

International buyers are responsible for customs charges that apply when returning an item.

T2264

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